Engaging virtual audiences in conservation topics to enhance natural resource stewardship
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EmailProgramming that includes science-based knowledge and best practices in conservation enhances stewardship of Michigan’s natural resource assets, which in turn, strengthens communities.
In 2020, when the world became overwhelmed with COVID-19, many people were instructed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to remain in their homes. This action, while protecting many from illness, resulted in the cancellation of a multitude of programs and lectures traditionally delivered in person. Natural resource educators with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension sought out alternative methods for program delivery to continue to supply up-to-date information and education opportunities. In order to accomplish this task, MSU Extension educators pivoted to online instruction tools.
To meet this need growing out of the pandemic, the Wild About Conservation Webinar Series was born. The series was scheduled as a summer program in 2020 focusing on lunch time learning to fit the schedules of those that were still working or had pivoted to working from home. Although stay-at-home orders were eventually lifted, the need and request for online educational programming did not wane.
Continuing into 2023, the Wild About Conservation Webinar Series covered topics ranging from native plants, bird research and septic systems, to healthy soils, bumble bees and rare species, and everything in between.
Nearly six hundred individuals registered for the 2023 Webinar Series. While many of the registrants were from Michigan, the Series also captured international participation from eight different countries outside of the United States. Every webinar was recorded, closed captioned, and posted publicly online, ensuring widespread access is available long after each event.
Participants in the 2023 Wild About Conservation Webinar Series had the following feedback to share regarding their experience:
- “Thank you so much for this series. It helps inform citizens and directs us to how we can help.”
- “Love learning more about conservation and how it matters to everyone.”
Through programming like the Wild About Conservation Webinar Series, participants engage with science-based knowledge and best practices in conservation to enhance their stewardship of Michigan’s natural resource assets, which in turn, strengthens their communities.
